Merkin

Oh, I don't know. The object of Derrick's attention is the flautist. I think this cover illo gives the story a nice teaser.

Tell those bags to pack it in.

I would never fault any author, on this site or others, who takes the time and trouble to write a 'flyleaf' or blurb to promote his work. These would be extremely helpful, if done in the spirit of Talo's suggestion. On the other hand, I find myself already committed to reading the work of a certain few writers, no matter what their topics or where their plots take me, solely on the basis that any new title by them is bound to be good writing based on exceptional imagination spun into a most satisfying tale.

As with all things earthly, you can buy a kit for one on Amazon. But I think it would be much more satisfying to grow your own potatoes and then hook them up from scratch: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Potato-Clock

Very best wishes, Jason!

The Secret Life of Nerds is off to an awesome start. Kevin and Philip appear to be as different as chalk and cheese, but they share one important quality, and that is thoughtfulness. Will that be enough to allow them to become friends? Can't wait to see what Mildred cooks up next. http://www.awesomedude.com/rob-warr/the-secret-life-of-nerds/index.htm

We always put raisins in meatloaf when I was a kid. The habit still clings.

MAJOR ellipsis . . .

Aside from Cole dissing Boston this is off to a great start. When do we find out about the puppy in the picture? What a cutie.

SO GLAD to see this fine tale revived for us in this month's "Picks from the Past." One never tires of rereading a story by Cole Parker, and this one is very special. http://www.awesomedude.com/cole-parker/scurvy-dog/scurvy-dog.htm

I am a bit mystified. Surely whether, when, or how Mike responds to inquiries from John Lloyd is his business?

Good question. The link at the top of this thread still works, however.

That calls for an equal-opportunity reply. Not all blonds are babes: A blind guy on a bar stool shouts to the bartender, "Wanna hear a blond joke?" In a hushed voice, the guy next to him says, “Before you tell that joke, you should know something. Our bartender is blond, the bouncer is blond. I’m a six foot tall, 200 lb black belt. The guy sitting next to me is six foot two, weighs 225, and he’s a rugby player. The fella to your right is six foot five, pushing 300, and he’s a wrestler. Each one of us is blond. Think about it, Mister. Do you still wanna tell that joke?" The blind guy says, “Nah, not if I’m gonna have to explain it five times."

This is a wonderful story. I had to read it twice since my eyes got so blurry the first time through. I wish every shy boy, gay or straight, could have an experience like this. http://www.awesomedude.com/alan_dwight/summer-camp/summer-camp.htm

On the U.S. news we see images of people so concerned over their 'rights' that that they form into mobs and demonstrate for freedom to ignore the virus and infect everyone.